For the second time in four years the Macclesfield marksman had to settle for silver in the 50 metres rifle prone competition. Welshman David Phelps denied Babb his second gold of the Games following success in the pairs' competition with Chris Hector.

"I expected gold without a doubt," said Babb, who missed out on top spot in Manchester in 2002. "But to get silver isn't too bad, so I've got mixed emotions.

"I didn't shoot as well as I'd hoped in the qualifiers and that seemed to set the tone for the rest of the competition."

Babb started as the highest world ranked shooter, but the signs weren't promising when he finished fifth in qualifying with 593 from a possible 600 points. Phelps amassed 596.

But the gardener almost snatched the title when he jumped from fifth after the qualifiers into silver by scoring 103.2. However, Phelps held his nerve to again thwart Babb's ambition.

"It's been a difficult range to shoot on all the way through and so a bit of luck comes into it," he added. "But conditions have been the same for everyone. I've got some time off now to see the sights of Melbourne and watch the closing ceremony.

"Then I fly back with the rest of the team on Monday. I've got a couple of weeks then to re-group before I re-pack the suitcase and fly to Brazil for a World Cup event."

Phelps scored 698.3 points overall to win with Babb totalling 696.2. "I was realistically thinking I would get gold," he admitted. "But a lot of people go home without medals who probably deserve them."

There was also medal success Down Under for teenage gymnast Hannah Clowes, who helped England win silver in the team event. The 15-year-old from Bollington only took up the sport when her mother, Joanna, sent her to the gym to help burn off excess energy as a youngster.

"I really enjoyed it and carried on," said a delighted Clowes, who also finished fifth in the individual floor exercises. "Now, I'd like to try and make the British Olympic team for Beijing, and maybe London in 2012."

And mum, dad Gavin plus nan and grandad, Mike and Margaret, were in the Rod Laver Arena to see the Fallibroome High School pupil stand on the podium.